Name: Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (228 g, 2 sticks); 3/4 cup white sugar (166 g); 1/4 cup brown sugar (53 g); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract; 1 tsp corn starch; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (343 g); 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup Nutella or favorite chocolate hazelnut spread; Optional: sprinkles or melted white/dark chocolate for drizzle

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you are looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug and satisfies your sweetest cravings, this Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe will quickly become your go-to treat. These soft, buttery cookies with their iconic little crater filled with luscious, chocolate-hazelnut Nutella create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just because you deserve something special, this recipe brings pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows soft cookies laid out on a light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie is round with a pale golden color and has a smooth, glossy circle of rich dark chocolate filling in the center, slightly swirled. Some cookies are plain with just chocolate centers, while others are decorated further with dark and white chocolate drizzled in thin lines creating a crisscross pattern on top. Small white chocolate chips and square dark chocolate pieces are scattered around the cookies, adding texture and contrast. In the lower right corner, a small portion of golden cutlery peeks into the frame. The whole image has a cozy, handmade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards cookie perfection. Each one plays a vital role in creating the soft, tender texture and rich flavor that make these cookies stand out.

Unsalted butter: Using softened butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp around the edges.
Brown sugar: Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel depth for chewiness.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, familiar note.
Almond extract: Just a touch to give a subtle nutty nuance complementary to Nutella.
Corn starch: Keeps the cookies soft and tender by lightening the flour.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and forms the dough’s base.
Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift to keep the cookies soft, not cakey.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
Nutella: The star of the show, filling the thumbprint with creamy chocolate hazelnut goodness.

How to Make Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with both white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about three minutes. This step not only incorporates air but also helps create the cookie’s soft texture with just enough chew.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients bring moisture and depth that elevate the cookie’s flavor profile beyond basic sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution before you slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, keeping the dough tender and perfect for shaping.

Step 4: Mix and Chill the Dough

Add the dry ingredients in thirds, blending just until combined with the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing which can toughen cookies. Then, form the dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized balls, roll them in sugar, and press a thumbprint indentation with the back of a teaspoon or your thumb. Chill these dough balls for about 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a 350°F oven for 9 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges with a soft center—this will make the cookie tender with just a slight crispness around the outside.

Step 6: Fill with Nutella and Decorate

After cooling for 5 to 7 minutes, gently spoon about a teaspoon of Nutella into each cookie’s thumbprint. Feel free to add fun toppings like a drizzle of melted chocolate or colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Then allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the Nutella set beautifully in the center.

How to Serve Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A shiny metal mixing bowl holds pale yellow dough with a crumbly texture. The dough forms a rough mound in the center, with bits sticking lightly to the sides of the bowl. A metal spoon rests on the right side of the bowl with some dough stuck to it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that adds soft light reflections around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your Nutella Thumbprint Cookies with a light drizzle of dark or white chocolate elevates their look and taste instantly. Sprinkles, crushed toasted hazelnuts, or even a tiny pinch of sea salt add texture and a playful pop of color, making them irresistible conversation starters at any gathering.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or a glass of cold milk to balance the rich Nutella center. For a more indulgent treat, try serving alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to cut through the sweetness with a hint of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe on a pretty platter with edible flowers or dusted powdered sugar for a charming presentation. Try stacking them in a cookie jar with layers of parchment paper, or package them in gift boxes tied with ribbons to share this delicious joy with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and chewy while preserving the fresh Nutella filling. Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to maintain their perfect shape.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls after forming and pressing the thumbprints. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Alternatively, baked cookies with Nutella can be frozen—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm your Nutella Thumbprint Cookies slightly in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and make the Nutella center even gooier and more luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella offers a unique chocolate-hazelnut flavor, you can swap in almond butter or peanut butter for a different but equally delicious thumbprint cookie experience.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading. It also firms up the dough which leads to a tender yet chewy texture that’s signature to the Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure, and watch baking time closely as gluten-free doughs can behave differently.

What’s the best way to prevent the Nutella from melting too much in the oven?

Adding Nutella after baking and cooling the cookies slightly ensures it stays thick and luscious in the thumbprint cavity rather than spreading out too much during baking.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

If stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies as described above.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making and sharing the Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps yield a cookie that’s irresistibly soft and bursting with rich, chocolaty goodness. Whether new to baking or a seasoned pro, I encourage you to whisk up a batch soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these little gems disappear, and how happily they bring everyone back for seconds.